Anti-bullying legislation passes Senate

Eight months after Cy-Fair middle school student Asher Brown’s suicide, the Texas Senate gave passage to “anti-bullying” legislation giving school administrators authority to prevent on-going harassment of students. The bill now goes to Gov. Rick Perry’s desk for signature.

Amy and David Truong, Brown’s mother and step-father, watched from the Senate gallery as the legislation was adopted unanimously. The Truongs say they complained to school officials for months before 13-year-old Asher’s suicide that he was being bullied, but received no help from Hamilton Middle School administrators.

State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, said the legislation will allow school officials to intervene and reassign bullies or their victims to other campuses or classes. It also sets up procedures for administrators in following-up on complaints.

Added Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, “The real goal is prevention. We’ve got to hold public school officials accountable when they know about these acts.”

Van de Putte, who tearfully hugged the Truongs after the bill’s passage, thanked “the courage of many families” who advocated for the legislation.

“We are hopeful this will encourage teachers and administrators to take a more proactive stance,” when students are being bullied, said Amy Truong. “We hope that no other families have to endure what we have.”